Lost..

Never thoughts I would be afraid of my own thoughts. Tired of always trying to find something to distract myself with. Feels like I'm always running away from it. But yet I still can't face the guilt, shame, paranoia and panic attacks. I'm a victim in my own body and I can't get out. What do I do?

[Hidden]

I'm sorry I don't have advice because I'm in a similar situation, but I just wanted to say you aren't alone. That feeling of always having to find something to distract yourself is so exhausting. Maybe it eventually becomes easier? I hope so.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I hope it gets easier too. And I'm sorry you also have to go through this as well.

[MissingMom]

I completely understand where your coming from. My thoughts envade my world it somewhat cripples me. Even daily life situations are a struggle I too have no answers I've tried relaxing teas, no caffeine even OTC pills containing Chamomile teas This has been one hell of a journey I don't wish this on anyone I feel connected to individuals who share the same issues which helps me I wish I had answers for you but I don't I can say I am here to listen an support anyone who just needs reassurance or an ear to listen you're no alone

[Hidden in reply to MissingMom]

I really appreciate that. Just chatting right now feels a little better. I stay isolated pretty much because of the anxiety. So it feels good knowing I'm not alone.

[MissingMom in reply to Hidden]

I tend to isolate myself a lot . Lately I've been forcing my myself to be around people other than work but positive inspirational people and this past week was better than last week I'm learning to take it one min at a time

[AmyBanks]

I think isolation and loneliness is a big part of my problem. I wish i had a good answer or that there was a magic pill.

[Meeasy]

I can relate. It's difficult to find the energy to take action but I feel we have to be proactive and give ourselves the best possible chance for managing this disease. Sometimes we un consciously do things that work against and sabatsge our recovery .

These are some of the tools I use to be proactive. These are suggestions that work for me. Your results may vary but there are no negative side effects Only positive side effects Take what u like, leave the rest

- excercise releases your brains natural anti anxiety/ depessant chemicals. Rigorous enough to get to heavy breathing and blood flow. It can be as simple as jogging in place or climbing stairs

- diet changes. Caffeine and sugar are fuel for anxiety. Processed foods, greasy foods, fried foods and artificial sweeteners work against you. A clean diet can do wonders .

- avoid alcohol, it's a depressant.

- meditation , I use podcasts and YouTube videos to find guided meditations, self hypnosis and inspirational self affirmation. Use the search bar. Get a podcast app

- stay connected, don't isolate. Find forums like this one, recovery programs, church, etc to express your feeling and get feedback

- social connection - Create a free profile at Meetup.com and attend meet ups with others who share similar hobbies and interests.

-Volunteer or support or encourage others is a good practice. doing things for others gets you out of ruminating about yourself. "Don't think less of yourself, think of yourself less"

- attitude of gratitude. As hard as it is, it could always be worse. I make gratitude list to remind myself of my blessings.

- write it down. Keep a journal, dig deep. Write letters to yourself, to god, your resentments, your fears, your inner child etc. be your own therapist. It's cheap

- professional therapy or counceling. Although it's cost prohibitive, sometimes it takes a professional to dig up the right questions.

-Avoid news, politics, and all forms of advertisements. They all use fear to control your emotions to generate a reaction.

-Avoid social media. Don't fall into the trap of comparing your insides with other people's outsides.

-Try natural supplements like Q96 brain supplements or others. Google it. I have not gotten dramatic results but I know people who have

These tips have no negative side effects. They are worth a try before resorting to drastic measures.

Good luck ✌️

PS- watch this video when you need inspiration

youtu.be/xKJxxq74c-8(Not working as expected?)

[menagerie11 in reply to Meeasy]

Really like your suggestions. I use a lot of them. I was particularly gratified to see the comment about avoiding news and advertisements. I have been avoiding the news for about 4 months because it is crammed with negativity and fear-generating items. My husband has been accommodating; we eat before or after the news so I don't have to hear it. My mind grabs hold of something negative and it's hard to let it go. I try to focus on inspirational affirmations, listen to calming music, do calm breathing exercises and visualization, play computer games, etc. I know that I have to increase my level of exercise and engagement with people. Need to remember that thoughts are just thoughts. Try to stay calm and let them just float by, or put them in an imaginary garbage can and burn them. I also pray a lot. Blessings to you.....I know it's not easy.

[Meeasy in reply to menagerie11]

It's no coincidence that the evening news is filled with ads for anti depression meds.

Since my post, I've added acceptance to my toolbox

A wise tradition defines suffering as " the desire for things to be different than what they really are" and prescribes acceptance as the key to stop suffering. Sometimes we just need to live through the discomfort with acceptance. Try not to try too hard mentality. . Constant searching to change how we fe to can spiral and backfire. Not resignation but acceptance.

Good luck 👍

[MissingMom in reply to Meeasy]

I thought I was the only one with a "box" I call mine my safety box learned it from therapy everything that relaxes me makes me feel good and safe are in this box my main priority is is focusing on the box because my mind tends to wonder when I try and focus

[MissingMom in reply to Meeasy]

I found this to be very helpful. I gave myself a little test this week stayed away from fast food ,sugars and caffeine and I had a good week . The week before I was eating all types of things. I'm working up the energy to walk once a day for 30 min. I used to do Zumba 5x week ,but I don't want to throw myself back into it so quickly . Routines help me the best if I have a solid routine in place it helps but we all know life isn't that simple it's bond to be a curve ahead

[Meeasy in reply to MissingMom]

I've had some positive Results managing my anxiety as I'm applying the concept of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). There are lots of free resources on it. You may want to consider this for your safety box. It can help with focus and attention issues too

Here are 4 videos (short) that shed light on ACT.

Feel free to share and explore. There are several other videos, books and websites. Google it.

The struggle switch

youtu.be/_1YEtxs6TdI(Not working as expected?)

Example of taking ACTion

youtu.be/GBzG7lMo2kI(Not working as expected?)

The 6 key tennants of ACT

youtu.be/RMWgrGUSlUQ(Not working as expected?)

A visual excercise

youtu.be/jrmKtaMqOh4(Not working as expected?)

[menagerie11]

Hard to do, but wise words.